A PLUCKY young girl's battle against a rare kidney disease has inspired her family and friends to raise money for the hospital where she is being treated.

Four-year-old Mica Newcomb, from St Helen Auckland, has to have treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary every three months.

When her parents, Tracey Reynolds, 38, and Brian Newcomb, 41, were approached to help with funding for a children's Kidney Unit at the hospital they were delighted to help.

It is difficult to believe that Mica, who attends Copeland Road Primary School, West Auckland, is ill.

She takes her health problems in her stride and enjoys life to the full.

Since her parents began their fundraising marathon they have been overwhelmed by the support from businesses in the area.

Ms Reynolds said: "We held a Christmas raffle and people were so generous. We had 15 prizes and raised £514.''

Money raised from the raffle has been matched by Frank Hudson Transport in Bishop Auckland, Millennium Hard Woods, Shildon and retired business people Bill and Linda Moody. That brought the total raised to just over £2,000.

Ms Reynolds said: "We have been through a lot. The first two years was really hard and we were at the hospital every day, but Mica is a brave little girl.

"We cannot believe how much everybody has supported us and we just want to thank them all.''

The family has vowed to carry on raising money for the hospital to thank the staff there for the care they show Mica.